Hines Advances with $6.5 Billion Gas Plant Revamp Featuring New Tampa Bay Rays Ballpark

A significant milestone has been reached for a $6.5 billion, 8-million-square-foot mega-project in St. Petersburg. The City Council has approved a 30-year development agreement with the Tampa Bay Rays for a new MLB ballpark. This decision paves the way for formal approval of the entire project, expected next month.

Collaborative Efforts for St. Petersburg's Largest Development

The project represents a partnership between the city, Pinellas County, the Tampa Bay Rays, and Houston-based Hines. Once formally approved, it will become the largest mixed-use development in St. Petersburg's history.

Plans Unveiled for Tropicana Field Site

In September, the partnership revealed its ambitious plans for the development, which will be situated on the 86-acre site of Tropicana Field. Known as "The Trop," this domed stadium has been the Rays' home since 1998 and is notable for its low-hanging light fixtures that occasionally interfere with gameplay.

Future Prospects

The City Council's preliminary approval sets a promising stage for the project's advancement, anticipating the formal green light next month, transforming the landscape of St. Petersburg with this massive mixed-use development.